A Case Study on Phyllodes Tumor of the Breast

Abstract

Background: Phyllodes tumor is a rare fibroepithelial tumor of the breast comprising less than 1% of all breast tumors. Most of these tumors are benign but some have malignant potential. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics, treatment and post operative complications in patients with phyllodes tumor. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary care centre (Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh, Assam) for a   duration of 1 year from May 2022 to April 2023. A total 12 histologically confirmed cases of phyllodes tumor were included in the study from hospital records of the institution. Results: The median age of diagnosis at the time of admission was 36 years with age range from 13 to 49 years. 11 out of 12 cases were benign, whereas 1 was found to be of borderline malignancy. All patients underwent operative interventions - excision of the tumor in 8 patients, simple mastectomy in 3 patients and modified radical mastectomy in one patient. No post operative complications or recurrence were observed during the period of follow up. Conclusion: Local excision of the tumor is adequate in all the benign phyllodes tumors, whereas   borderline phyllodes and malignant tumors were best treated by simple mastectomy.